Fostering Environmental Sustainability Through Employee Mindset, Green Initiatives, and CSR in Congo’s Cobalt Industry

Taohong Wang, Huaping Sun (), Grace Mulindwa Bahizire, Mingxuan Li () and Zhe Song
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Taohong Wang: School of Business, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
Huaping Sun: Beijing Research Institute, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100020, China
Grace Mulindwa Bahizire: Institute of African Studies, Hunan University, Changsha 410008, China
Mingxuan Li: School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Zhe Song: School of Business, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China

Sustainability, 2026, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-23

Abstract: This study investigates the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in shaping employee perspectives towards green initiatives and its consequent impact on environmental sustainability within the Congolese cobalt sector. The research is based on cross-sectional data analysis, with survey questionnaires administered to 398 employees across various mining companies. The study reveals a positive relationship between an employee’s mindset towards CSR and green initiatives, which subsequently leads to improved environmental sustainability outcomes. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that CSR measures moderate this relationship: when CSR practices are strong and visible (clear environmental policies, training, incentives, and resource support), they provide direction and support that strengthen the effect of employee mindset on green initiatives while when CSR practices are weak, the same mindset is less likely to lead to green initiatives. The findings offer valuable theoretical and managerial implications, particularly for organizations in sectors with considerable environmental impacts. The study reveals the necessity of aligning CSR strategies with both corporate objectives and employee attitudes to optimize their effectiveness. The study provides a robust model for future research and practical implementation.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); environmental sustainability; green initiatives; employee mindset; Congolese cobalt sector (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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